Music

George Michael to play show for Elton's charity

Music

George Michael to play show for Elton's charity

George Michael has ended his feud with Sir Elton John to stage a charity concert.

The 'Careless Whisper' singer - who fell out with his former friend when he criticised the 'Rocket Man' star for trying to force him into seeking help for substance abuse problems. - will donate the proceeds from his show at London's Royal Opera House on November 6 to the newly-created Elizabeth Taylor Memorial Fund, which is part of the Sir Elton John Aids Foundation.

George said: "I have seen how HIV can affect people lives, how it can destroy families and communities. The way that the Elton John AIDS Foundation gets help to the people around the world who need it most - often the most marginalised communities - really spurred me on to do something.

"I also really wanted to honour the inspiring efforts that Elizabeth Taylor made - especially in the early years of the epidemic - and to mark her passing this year I am delighted to announce that the Elton John AIDS Foundation will use all the proceeds from this show to create and manage a new fund in her memory - The Elizabeth Taylor Memorial Fund."

Elton praised his "dear friend" for his generosity.

He said: "George has been a patron of the Foundation since its inception and has been a much valued supporter over the years, as well as a dear friend.

"This is an incredible and generous gesture. I thank George from my heart for doing this. His is an amazing talent, and this is a fantastic gift he is making to people affected by HIV."

Dame Elizabeth, who died earlier this year, was prominent campaigner against AIDS and founded the American Foundation for Aids Research (Amfar) following the death of her close friend Rock Hudson in 1985.

Elton's foundation has raised over £80 million since its inception in 1992.